Alabama

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney talks to his team on the sidelines Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, during the second half against Auburn at Clemson Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com)

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney talks to his team on the sidelines Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, during the second half against Auburn at Clemson Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com)(Julie Bennett)

No. 13 Auburn dropped its first road game of the season, falling to No. 3 Clemson, 14-6, on Saturday night at Memorial Stadium.

Below is what Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and quarterback Kelly Bryant, wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, defensive end Austin Bryant and linebacker Dorian O'Daniel had to say after the game.

Dabo Swinney, head coach

On the hard-fought, defensive nature of the game...

"I feel like I'm back at Alabama in 1988 after that one. What a tough, gritty game. That's such a reflection of the heart of our guys. You have to find ways to win games, especially early in the season, and I'm just really proud of our guys, particularly on defense. Hats off to those guys. 11 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. Our defensive line controlled the game. Really, all three levels of the defense played well. I can't say enough good things."

On the overall performance of the team in the win...

"This is the type of game that you can really use to help your team grow when preparing for conference play. I can't say enough about the way that Kelly Bryant performed. Hunter Renfrow, Ray-Ray McCloud and a lot of our playmakers were great. Special teams played well, too. It was just a great all-around performance."

On the high number of players who entered the game for Clemson...

"That's something that we feel like is a strength of our team. We love our depth. And, actually, there were some other guys who we would've liked to have gotten into the game tonight. But just for guys who got the playing experience tonight, that'll be great for their growth moving forward."

On the fan support at Death Valley...

"I just appreciate the environment and the atmosphere that they helped create tonight. I know this was a low-scoring slobberknocker, but they stuck with us and helped create a good energy for us tonight."

Kelly Bryant, quarterback

On returning to the game with a spark...

"It was definitely the spark we needed. We really didn't get any rhythm in the first quarter and a little in the second quarter, but right before the half, we needed a spark and we got it. Made a few plays, and we got in the end zone and really fired us up."

On the success of the defense...

"They really found their rhythm in the first quarter when we really couldn't on offense. I mean Auburn was making good plays, but our defense was making the tough plays, guarding the perimeter and disrupting the pass."

Hunter Renfrow, wide receiver

On his long catch on third down...

"Yeah, I think it was a third down, and we always talk about ways to win, and as an offense we didn't have an unbelievable night, but we just wanted to go out there and win it right there. It took a lot of guts to call that, and Kelly [Bryant] stepped up and did a great job."

On Kelly Bryant coming back in the game...

"Of course it gave us a spark...the adversity that Kelly [Bryant] faced getting knocked out and getting up and wanting to go play. That really just shows the type of leader he is and that we've seen so far this season and in fall camp...a guy who is going to get knocked down and get back up is the kind I want on my team."

On the current state of the team...

"We're hungry...there is a lot that is unproven still, a lot of guys that are just ready to go out there and perform. Obviously a lot of guys left, but I'm excited about the guys that are here. We are going to go out there and win games, and that is what this team is destined to do."

Austin Bryant, defensive end

On having top 15 game and it coming down to defense...

"I love it, because that's what you come to Clemson for. That's what you come to a school like this for...playing these big games. Football players are tough minded people, and tonight, it showed that we were the most prepared team."

On getting a win over a top 15 squad...

"The team last year knew how to handle adversity, and this was our first real test this season. I feel like we stood up right in the face of adversity and did well."

On the main key to getting pressure on QB...

"Bringing intensity every play...we knew that once we got into the second half, they would have to throw the ball a little bit more. We knew their tendencies, and we were able to be effective when it was our time to. When we had a chance to we brought it."

On whether it is fun to get games where so much is asked of the defense...

"Most definitely. For us to have to hold onto the game in the first half. The offense started off a little shaky, for them to catch on fire. For us to just keep playing the way we were, it was awesome to just be out there playing and having fun."

Dorian O'Daniel, linebacker

On defensive lockdown and only giving up 117 yards...

"It's credit to our defense. It was a big challenge, and we responded. Our trenches and the D-line were challenged coming into this game, and they showed up. We knew it would be a fourth quarter game, and I'm so proud of the defense for responding and playing that half like we did."

On bouncing off one another with sacks...

"That's what we value...the value of team and family. If one person makes a play, we all make a play. We are a very selfless defense. Everyone is playing for each other."

On the key to getting pressure on Auburn's quarterback...

"Everyone doing their job. If the back seven holds up in coverage and the D-line is able to get to the quarterback, they scratch our back we scratch theirs."

On being able to stop Auburn's run and making them make the pass...

"We knew that they were going to make some adjustments. As a defense, we have to be ready and take those adjustments and execute the game plan accordingly. Coach [Venables] did a great job of drawing up what we were doing wrong, where the wrong fits were and corrected the defense."